No matter how prepared you think you are, being a new mom can be totally overwhelming. There's just so much to learn and figure out. The first few months after giving birth to your first child is truly a roller coaster, full of so many ups and downs. Honestly, at feels like as soon as you think you understand something about caring for your baby, something changes and you're back to square one. And sometimes, not a book or blog in the world has the answer. But often, our mamis and abuelas do actually have the best advice for new moms.
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There's definitely value in professional opinions about raising babies, but sometimes it's the little tricks that the moms who came before us picked up along the way that can help the most. It may be easy to brush off the advice of mami and abuela when there's a plethora of modern advice from strangers and more experienced friends and acquaintances out there on the internet, but we shouldn't be so quick to write off the knowledge of the ones who raised us. In honor of our own Latina mamis and abuelas we're sharing some of the best advice we received from them as first-time moms.
It takes a village.
It's tradition in Latino communities for people to raise their children with the help of extended family. In our modern world though, we're often conditioned as women to do everything ourselves. Thankfully, mami and abuela are there to tell us that we don't, and that it's OK to accept help from loved ones when you arrive home with your new baby, tired and hormonal.
Let baby sleep in your room.
Most old-school Latina moms will balk at the idea of a new baby sleeping in its own room, and they have a good point. Putting baby in the nursery to sleep right from the hospital, is actually an inconvenience. You'll be up several times a night, and having baby in your own room can make those wake ups a lot easier. However, for safety reasons we recommend using a bassinet or co-sleeper next to your bed, rather than laying baby in the bed with you.
Breastfeeding is possible.
Studies have shown that Latina moms have some of the highest breastfeeding rates, at least in the first few months after baby is born. Many Latinas have mothers and grandmothers who are from countries where breastfeeding rates are much higher than in the US, and see it as a natural and normal thing and are therefore incredibly supportive and encouraging about breastfeeding goals.
Eat your avena.
Oatmeal is a galactagogue which means it can help increase your breast milk supply, and even if your mami doesn't know that word, she knows that avena can help. So just like you had to when you were little, listen to her and eat your avena.
You can't spoil baby.
Latina moms and abuelas are often said to "spoil" their babies by holding them so often, but believe your own mami when she tells you that it's impossible to spoil a baby. Babies need as much love and affection as possible to feel safe and secure.
Baby doesn't need a lot.
It's true! No matter how many fancy gadgets you see for your new baby in the boutiques and big box stores, your baby really doesn't need much. Any Latina mami or abuela will surely remind you that all baby really needs is a safe place to sleep, some clothes, diapers, and a few bottles if you're not breastfeeding. The most important of all is love though, not material things.
Never wake a sleeping baby.
This one may not work for every family, but mami always said, "Never wake a sleeping baby," and for lots of moms, following that advice can mean solid stretches of time during the day to get things done around the house.
Never be without vaporu.
It may be a stereotype that all Latinos are obsessed with the healing powers of Vapor Rub, but that's because it actually works! Our Latina moms told us from the very beginning to keep a jar on hand. It's especially helpful when baby gets his or her first cold and is too young for medicine. Put a bit on the bottom of the feet and then put socks on top to keep the coughing under control.
Keep a clean home.
We know this might seem contrary to popular advice that tells new moms to forget about the dishes and the laundry for a while after baby is born, but cleanliness is next to godliness in most Latino homes, and when you're used to everything being in tip-top shape, messiness and dirt can be an additional source of stress. Simply sticking to a regular daily cleaning routine can be comforting and help you feel like you're in control of something. You don't have to do a lot, but a little bit each day can go a long way to help your sanity.
Never pay full price.
Babies can be really expensive, but if you remember the ways of your penny-pinching abuela, you can keep the baby supplies budget under control. Shop sales and never pay full price for anything, and your baby doesn't have to break the bank.
Keep baby warm.
If your baby is having trouble sleeping at night, your mami or abuela might suggest he or she is too cold. And you know what, she might be right! Loose blankets are a no-no, but layer baby up in double pajamas, socks and/or a sleep sack and she may just start sleeping better.
Chamomile tea is a great home remedy.
On that note, mami and abuela might also recommend that you offer baby a couple of ounces of weak, lukewarm chamomile tea to help him sleep at night and to cure tummy discomfort. Physicians often agree, but if you're unsure, check with your baby's pediatrician.
Store-bought baby food isn't the only option.
No matter how many tempting organic and all-natural baby food options you see cropping up on grocery store shelves may be, your mami will remind you that you can make your baby's food yourself, easy-peasy. And honestly, it is easy, healthy, and cheap, and it gives you the opportunity to introduce your child to foods from your own culture right from the start.
Freeze those leftovers.
On the topic of food, we shouldn't forget that our mamis and abuelas never let anything go to waste. Freeze your leftovers just like mami would, and when you're short on time and exhausted from being up all night with baby, you'll have a nutritious and delicious meal waiting for you at a moment's notice.
Give yourself time.
In many Latin American countries, it's customary for new moms to stay home for the first month after giving birth, and rest, eat nourishing foods, and bond with baby. While it may be unrealistic to stay home like that for an entire month, your mami and abuela are right when they tell you to give yourself time to heal and recover after giving birth. Eat those nourishing traditional foods they show up with at your door and get as much sleep as you can, especially during those first few weeks postpartum.
Trust your instincts.
Your mami or abuela will likely remind you that you are the mom and you know best. Listen to sound medical and anecdotal advice, but trust your maternal instincts, just like your own mother did, and you're not likely to go wrong on this new journey as a mother.
*Descargo de responsabilidad: Los consejos sobre MamásLatinas.com no sustituyen la consulta con un profesional médico o el tratamiento para una condición específica. No debes usar esta información para diagnosticar o tratar un problema de salud sin consultar a un profesional calificado. Por favor contacta a tu médico si tienes preguntas o alguna preocupación.
